In the dimly lit atmosphere of Uncle Tham's cafe, Shian's urgent voice cut through the air."Nil, don't cut the call," he pleaded."Don't worry, I'm not cutting. Tell me, is anything important?" Nil responded, a hint of curiosity in his tone."I want to meet you. Where are you?" Shian's voice carried a sense of urgency."I'm at Uncle Tham's cafe," Nil replied, his attention fully engaged."I'm coming there," Shian declared."Hmm, fine," Nil acknowledged, and the call was ended.Outside "Neptune Musics," a crowd gathered, anxiously awaiting Stranger's response. However, Stranger remained locked in his cabin, guarded by a watchful detail. Mew and Kim engaged in a hushed conversation, their expressions a canvas of concern and contemplation."What's your take on the situation?" Mew probed, his voice laced with apprehension."Regarding Nil and Kao," Kim responded, his tone mirroring a blend of understanding and worry."Their connection is undeniable, but the looming misunderstandings could cast a shadow. Our priority is ensuring that 'Four More Shots' remains unaffected," Kim elucidated, a hint of strategic foresight in his words.Mew, harboring a glimmer of optimism, countered, "Yet, I see a silver lining. Their controversy is drawing more media attention to 'Four More Shots.' Have you noticed Nil's fan base? It's burgeoning rapidly. I've never witnessed an actor become a sensation even before his work's release.""Regardless, Kao is a dear friend, and witnessing his plight troubles me deeply. Nil's influence has transformed him, and taught him to embrace joy and love. I can only hope for their reconciliation," Kim expressed, his concern veiled in a cloak of genuine affection."Let's hope for the best," Mew sighed, his words carrying the weight of uncertainty.As Shian arrived at Uncle Tham's cafe, a tense atmosphere enveloped the gathering. Uncle Tham, Nil, Merry, and Techno were already seated. Shian was urged to take a seat, his demeanor fraught with worry. Pleading with Nil, Shian said, "Nil, you must help me.""For what?" Nil inquired."I think you haven't seen the news," Shian remarked. Turning on the TV, the shocking revelation unfolded. Stranger had ousted his employees for undisclosed reasons, leaving Nil in disbelief."How did he? And how can..." Nil began, visibly shocked."I know, Nil, what you're going to say. But now, you're our last hope. I'm the one responsible for it," Shian confessed.Techno pressed for clarification, "Shian, please, say it clearly.""While at the cafeteria, I overheard employees talking about you. Their words were not appropriate, and I told Kao. He got angry and fired everyone," Shian revealed, casting a shadow over the room. Nil sighed, lowering his head, and Merry couldn't hold back her frustration."You idiot, why did you need to tell Kao? You know how possessive he is about Nil," she scolded, her voice a hushed admonition. Nil, with widened eyes, met Merry's stern gaze, and a heavy silence lingered in the air.Uncle Tham voiced his concerns, "There are avenues to reach Nil—his mother, his sister, even you."Shian responded with a knowing sigh, "You know Nil. When he's in a rage, he's oblivious. Achara isn't in town. As for me, I've tried relentlessly, but...""Why did he heed my words?" Nil interjected, his voice tinged with uncertainty."He only listens to you," Shian affirmed.After a prolonged silence, Nil hesitated before speaking, "I won't."Shian's disappointment was palpable as he pleaded, "Please..."Techno interjected urgently, "Shian, Nil isn't feeling well.""Nil, please, consider this further. His actions were triggered by you alone. He's no longer The Kao Neptune; he's your Stranger," Merry implored, her words laden with concern.Nil remained silent, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts."Does Stranger still harbor feelings for me? If he truly loves me, he wouldn't have spent the night with Lava," Nil pondered, wrestling with his own doubts.Shian attempted to sway Nil once more, appealing to his sense of empathy, "Nil, if you can't think of Kao, at least consider the employees. Many of them were long-serving; finding jobs at this stage will be a challenge for them."Despite the impassioned pleas, Nil remained ensnared in his internal turmoil, each word resonating deeply within him. But he agreed. At that moment, Shian, feeling a wave of relief, urged Nil to proceed. Together, they headed towards Neptune Musics. Nil anticipated the impending conversation with Stranger, a faint smile playing on his lips. As they approached the office's entrance, they were engulfed by a dense crowd. The media clamored for Nil's attention, bombarding him with numerous questions, while the employees fervently pleaded for his intervention to appease Stranger. Amidst the chaos, guards swiftly escorted Nil inside the office.Meanwhile, in his cabin, Stranger immersed himself in critical documents. Suddenly, a palpitation surged within him, prompting an internal monologue."Why do I sense Nil's presence? But why would he come? I'm the fool who still longs for his presence," he mused.With a sigh, Stranger retrieved his mobile and began gazing at Nil's picture. Yet again, his heartbeat intensified, and his gaze fixated on the door. Abruptly, the sound of the door opening shattered the silence.Stranger sat in anticipation, expecting Nil's arrival, but instead, Shian appeared before him. In a hasty attempt to conceal his emotions, Stranger hastily switched off his mobile. However, a fateful touch led to the inadvertent display of Lava's image instead of Nil's, shattering his fleeting hope. His countenance fell, eyebrows furrowed in disappointment, as he resignedly lowered his head.Seeking permission, Shian approached, "Kaoo, someone is here to talk to you."Engrossed in his laptop, Stranger replied curtly, "Can't you see I'm busy?"Softening his tone, Shian persisted, "Kao, Nil came to see you."After a prolonged silence, Stranger reluctantly agreed to allow Nil's entry. An unbidden smile flickered across his face. As the door opened once again, Stranger eagerly awaited Nil's arrival. When Nil finally entered the cabin, it seemed as if Stranger had just regained his breath.Nil's heart raced in anticipation as Stranger greeted him, though the warmth in Stranger's eyes contradicted the frostiness of his tone when he instructed Nil to take a seat. Silently complying, Nil lowered himself into the chair. Shian interjected, excusing himself with a vague mention of Madam Nin's call before departing, leaving them alone in the room. A heavy silence enveloped them, with Nil sitting pensively, his head bowed, and Stranger engrossed in his documents.After a stretch of silence, Stranger finally broke it with a pointed remark, "If you only came to waste my time, you may leave now."In response, Nil hesitated but gathered his courage to clarify, "No, actually..."Stranger's eyes sparkled faintly, a glint that hadn't appeared in weeks. He entertained a hope within himself, sensing a potential for reconciliation. "Maybe you want to patch things up with me again," he mused silently. "I knew it, Nil. You couldn't stay away from me for long. Just confess, and I promise I'll never let us drift apart again."Setting down a document, Stranger's mobile slipped from his hand, landing near Nil's feet. Alarmed, Stranger hurriedly inquired, "Ahh, Nil, are you all right?"Nil's response was noncommittal, a soft "Ummm," as he picked up the mobile. A sudden illumination of the screen revealed a picture of Lava, casting a shadow across Nil's countenance. His eyes reddened with realization. "That's why Stranger wanted me to leave swiftly," he muttered inwardly, grappling with his misconception.Managing to compose himself, Nil turned off the mobile's screen and placed it back on the table. As Stranger approached to inspect his feet, Nil withdrew them, meeting Stranger's gaze firmly."You're a remarkable composer," Nil stated, locking eyes with Stranger. "You shouldn't have to bow to an ordinary BL actor like me!"Upon hearing Nil's firm declaration, Stranger's hopes sank like a stone. He drew in a deep breath and settled back into his chair, fixing his gaze upon Nil without actually meeting his eyes. Swiveling his chair away, he clutched the document, and a solitary tear escaped, marking the page before him. Meanwhile, Nil, overcome by the emotional tension, couldn't stave off a tear that fell onto Stranger's mobile. Regaining composure, Nil swiftly wiped away the evidence of his vulnerability, turning his attention to Stranger, though his eyes remained swollen with emotion.Concerned, Stranger inquired, "What happened to your eyes?"Nil replied, his voice deliberately neutral, "I think something got into my eyes."As Stranger made a gesture to assist, Nil intercepted, holding his hand back and stating in a curt tone, "Now I'm fine."With a nonchalant acknowledgment, Stranger sighed softly and shifted his attention back to the document before him. In a disappointed tone, he queried Nil, "So, Mr. Qing, what brings you here?""Don't dismiss your employees," Nil implored.Stranger closed his document, peering directly at Nil. "I will," he asserted resolutely. "I've made my decision, and I don't retract my words for anyone.""Please, I urge you," Nil persisted, "I'm willing to compensate for this."The air grew heavier with the weight of their unspoken emotion. Stranger silently mused to himself, observing Nil's persistent care for everyone, even those employees who had spoken ill of him. "You defend them all, yet you won't accept me back," he thought, feeling a mixture of frustration and longing.With a feigned smile, Stranger quizzically asked, "What can you pay me?""Anything," Nil replied without hesitation."Spend a night with me," Stranger suggested his tone an abrupt shift from the prior conversation.Nil, ready to stand up, hesitated at the proposition. But before he could make a move, Stranger continued, this time with a cold edge in his voice, "Ah, did you misunderstand? Your eyes show the strain of sleepless nights. I thought I'd help you rest."Feeling conflicted, Nil contemplated leaving, yet the faces of the concerned employees flashed in his mind, compelling him to stay seated.Maintaining a polite tone, Stranger reaffirmed, "My decision remains unchanged. I have my reasons. I'm quite busy; you should leave now."Internally, Nil remarked, "If you're handling all the employees' tasks yourself, you must be occupied."Stranger inquired, "Did you say something?"Quickly, Nil denied, "No." Nil remained seated, contemplative, while the live media broadcast continued its speculative commentary."Our viewers, as you've noticed, Nil has been indoors for quite some time. What could be unfolding behind closed doors? Sources reveal some employees had unflattering words for Nil. Remember, the ongoing saga between Kao Neptune and Actor Nil? Despite their attempts to conceal their relationship, their presence remains evident across social media..." the commentator relayed.Meanwhile, Stranger remained engrossed in his documents, seemingly detached from the surrounding chaos. Nil persisted in his plea."But P.Kao, where will they go? You can't dismiss them for such minor reasons," Nil implored.With unwavering resolve, Stranger retorted, "Mr. Niloy, I stay true to my word, unlike you."A sudden recollection stirred within Nil, reminding him of a promise Stranger had made long ago when Nil had prepared Khichdi for him."You must uphold that promise," Nil asserted.Stranger's astonishment was evident. "What?" he queried, clearly taken aback.Masking his intent behind a forced smile, Nil reminded him, "Remember the Khichdi? You promised that if I ever asked for something, you wouldn't refuse. You're a man of your word, aren't you?"Stranger's fury simmered beneath the surface, visible in his eyes. Following a tense silence, he called out sharply, "Shian! Shian!"Shian appeared, his voice betraying concern as he inquired, "Is everything all right, Kao?"Addressing Nil with determination, Stranger instructed, "Announce that from tomorrow, everyone can resume their duties."As Shian went to make the announcement, Nil prepared to leave. However, Stranger intervened, insisting, "I can't allow you to leave without transport. I'll drop you off."Nil responded icily, "Thank you, P.Kao, but I can manage," determined to leave the cabin. However, Stranger swiftly rose from his seat, escorting Nil back inside and securing the door. With a forceful tone, Nil demanded, "What are you doing? Let me go!"Softening his approach, Stranger gently inquired, "You still have feelings for Stranger, don't you?"Meanwhile, Achara, not finding Nil in his apartment, triggered a sense of concern in her mind. As she prepared to depart Than unexpectedly approached, causing Achara to startle and slip, falling onto his arm.Achara confronted Than, her expression a mix of surprise and concern at his sudden touch."Than, what were you thinking? You can't just place your hand on someone's shoulder out of nowhere," Achara admonished, her voice tinged with disbelief."I apologize, Achara," Than responded, his tone contrite. "But I needed to convey something to you, something important."Meanwhile, upon hearing Stranger's remark, Nil grinned and responded, "Nope."Stranger leaned in, whispering near Nil's ear, "You're lying; you still love him so much."Nil glanced around and replied softly, "No, P. Kao, you have mistaken."Stranger, releasing one of Nil's hands, placed his own hand on his chest, then slowly moved it to Nil's pink cheeks. As Stranger brought his face closer, Nil's heart raced. Stranger spoke, "If his touches don't matter to you, then why don't you let him drop you, umm?"Nil, with a hoarse voice, replied, "Umm, noooo."Stranger then moved his hand from Nil's cheek to his lips, pressing it gently. With a soft tone, he asked, "If he doesn't matter to you, why don't you let him drop you, umm?"Nil remained silent, gazing at Stranger. As Stranger leaned his head against Nil's, the intensity grew, and he pressed his lips harder. Suddenly, Nil exclaimed, "Ouch."Stranger, realizing his mistake, apologized, "I'm sorry, I hurt you again." He released Nil's hand, cradled his face with both hands, and began to blow on his lips gently. Nil, captivated by Stranger's unexpected care, shifted his focus to the mobile, separating himself from the moment.Inquisitive, Nil questioned, "Why do you always hold me like this?"Stranger responded with a deep, pained voice, "I forgot you don't like my touch anymore." Despite Nil's resistance, Stranger once again took hold of his hand.Just as Nil prepared to respond, a knock on the door interrupted the moment. Shian entered, and Stranger eyed him as if ready to devour his presence.Shian offered a hesitant smile and spoke, "Umm, sorry, I think I came at the wrong time..."Nil reassured him, "No, Shian, you came at the right time," and then proceeded to step outside with Shian. In response, Stranger went to his table, frustratedly struck his hand against it, and flung a cup to the floor, exhaling a heavy sigh. After a moment, he emerged from the room and joined Shian and Nil outside.As they reappeared together, the swarm of media and employees surrounded them once again. Stranger whispered to Nil, "I think you didn't hear it well; I never asked you, I was telling you. Don't look at me like this; keep smiling. Everyone is watching us."The atmosphere was filled with joy. The media, broadcasting live, speculated about Actor Nil's impact on The Kao Neptune, attributing the positive turn of events to him. Questions were thrown at them, but neither Stranger nor Nil offered any responses. Guards intervened, providing cover as they escorted the pair to their car.In a nearby cafe, onlookers were glued to the television. Observing the unexpected unity, Merry exclaimed, "What am I seeing? Am I dreaming? They're smiling together."Techno, more pragmatic, replied, "Don't speak in haste; you know how strong Nil is. It's just for the media, he has a role to play."The TV screen displayed Nil and Stranger seated inside the car. Nil struggled with his seat belt, and Stranger, noticing his difficulty, leaned in to help. However, Nil's unwavering gaze remained fixed on Stranger. Suddenly, their eyes locked in a profound collision of emotions.The sound of a car horn disrupted the silence, prompting Nil to turn his face away from Stranger. As Stranger took control of the car, an unspoken tension lingered between them throughout the journey. The only question Stranger posed was a simple inquiry about Nil's destination."Where should I drop you?" he asked."Cafe," Nil responded, and Stranger navigated the vehicle to the specified location. The car's arrival at the cafe drew Uncle Tham, Merry, and Techno outside. Before Stranger could open the car door, Nil had already stepped out. Uncle Tham welcomed him, suggesting they share a meal and experience Thai cuisine. However, Nil, with a straight gaze, intervened."Let him, Uncle Tham. He might have an important commitment with his special one."Stranger, responding with a slightly pained smile, acknowledged, "Hmm, Uncle, I have a commitment with my special one," and gracefully departed. Uncle Tham attempted to inquire further, but Nil proceeded into the cafe without offering any explanation, leaving Uncle Tham, Merry, and Techno exchanging puzzled glances.Meanwhile, Than escorted Achara to his condo, visibly delighted by her presence. Once inside, Achara, inquisitive, exclaimed, "Ahh, I just forgot to ask you, how are you?"Than responded, "Not so well."As Achara probed about the developments between P. Nil and her brother in her absence, Than began recounting the intricate details. Achara, contemplating the situation, proposed a resolution."We should bring them together," she suggested.However, Than, displaying a rare vulnerability, countered, "Not we, only you."Achara, gently holding Than's hand, expressed her understanding. "P. Than, I know what my brother did to you is not right, but first, it's crucial to reunite them. After so many difficulties, I got my brother back, and I can't let him return to those dark days."Than, captivated by Achara's sincerity, found himself unable to look away from her face. Sensing the depth of her love for her brother, he asked, "You love your brother a lot."Achara, with a soft smile, confirmed, "Hmm."Empathizing with Achara's plea, Than conceded, and together, they formulated a plan.